Here are some astonishing facts about the New Year:
1. The New Year was first celebrated 4000 years ago
It has been 4000 years since the first New Year’s celebration. Roman Emperor Julius Caesar was the first to declare January 1 as a public holiday. He termed the month Janus in honor of the Roman God of gates and doors, who had two faces- one looking ahead and another looking back -making it a perfect symbol.
2. A million people gather in Times Square New York to witness the ball drop
A million people gather at Times Square New York, and over 1 billion watch the ball drop live on television throughout the world. The current ball measures 12 feet in circumference, weighs 11,875 pounds, has 32000 LED lights and 2688 crystals covering it.
3. The confetti dropped in Times Square holds personal wishes
People write their wishes for the coming year in the Wish Wall of Times Square or in their official website. These wishes are transformed into confetti that is thrown over at midnight in Times Square. “Wishfetti” was incorporated into the custom in 2015.
4. Baby New Year as a really old tradition
Baby New Year signifies the New Year from around 600 B.C., originating from the ancient Greece. In honor of the fertility God, Dionysus, a newborn was carried around in a basket. The infant symbolizes rebirth, which happens at the beginning of each new year.
5. Only 9% people keep their New Year’s resolutions
According to the stats, only 9% people are likely to keep up with their New Year’s resolutions successfully. By February, it is anticipated that 43% of people will abandon these goals.
6. Firecrackers to scare away evil spirits
Firecrackers are lighted in many parts of the world, during the New Year to ward off evil spirits and bestow a fresh start.
Compiled by: Simran Shrestha
Photos by: Jamie Fenn
.jpg)
.jpg)
